Interrupted by God

Last Friday, while delivering my son to a scouting event, my plans for the evening were thwarted. Seeking to capitalize on a childless evening, I wanted to go directly home for a short date with my husband. As I drove past the nearby Indonesian store I asked God, “Can I skip it this time?” You see, for the last year or so, every time I take my son to scouts, I’ve felt prompted to stop in to say hi to the store owner, Bob, an older Chinese man. Bob loves to discuss religion and we often get into interesting conversations. Despite my reluctance, I turned into the grimy parking lot. As soon as I walked in the door, Bob exclaimed, “I knew you were going to come in today, even though it isn’t Tuesday.” I thought to myself, ‘And I almost didn’t.’ We chatted for awhile and then I headed home.

Cruising down Snell avenue, my attention kept being drawn to this man in a bright red shirt sitting at the bus stop. I reminded God of my date with Jor, and how Mr. Red Shirt didn’t look like he was in need. But I couldn’t get this man out of my mind, so I turned around. I pulled up to the bus stop and apprehensively got out of the car. I introduced myself, saying,  “I was driving by and felt God wanted me to stop and tell you that He loves you. Is there anything you need?” He proceeded to tell me he was living at a shelter and had just finished his day of work from a commission-only job. I offered him a ride and as we drove I asked him how he wound up homeless. He said, “By making bad choices...Actually, I just started praying a few days ago and my mom told me that God would let me know He was there, and here you come stopping by.” I felt a shiver.

Since we were near my apartment, we picked up my husband and together we drove him to the shelter. The young man kept expressing his thankfulness to us. I replied, “And to think I almost didn’t obey God when He asked me to talk to you.” The young man said, “And I need to obey too.” As we drove away we felt grateful that we followed God’s plan for the night instead of our own.